To determine at which point the bicyclist's potential energy is increasing, we need to consider the relationship between an object's height and its potential energy.
Potential energy (PE) is given by the formula:
\[ PE = mgh \]
where \( m \) is the mass of the object, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is the height above a reference point.
If the bicyclist is moving from right to left and gaining elevation, their potential energy increases. Conversely, if they are descending, their potential energy decreases.
Here are the statements you provided examined:
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At point C: "The potential energy is increasing because the bicyclist is increasing in elevation at that point." - If this is true and the bicyclist is indeed gaining height at point C, then this statement is correct.
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At point B: "The potential energy is highest there." - This point could indicate that point B is the highest elevation, but without additional context about the movement before and after that, we can't conclusively say the potential energy is increasing just due to being the highest point.
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Always decreasing: "The potential energy is always decreasing because the bicyclist continues to move forward." - This statement is misleading. Forward motion doesn't automatically result in a decrease in potential energy; it depends on the vertical position relative to the reference point.
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At point A: "The potential energy is increasing because the bicyclist is moving fastest at that point." - Speed does not imply potential energy is increasing; rather, it depends on the elevation. Faster speed typically relates more to kinetic energy.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer would be:
The potential energy is increasing at point C if the bicyclist is gaining elevation at that point.
1 answer